The Real Reason You’re Exhausted (It’s Not Just Burnout)?

You’re not lazy. You’re not unmotivated. You’re just not rested in the way you need. If you’ve been waking up tired, zoning out mid-meeting, or feeling emotionally fried after basic conversations, this post is for you. Most of us have been taught that sleep is the only kind of rest but the truth is, there are 7 kinds of rest and if you’re only getting one, no wonder you're still exhausted.

In this post, I’ll walk you through all seven, help you recognize what you might be missing, and give you gentle ways to refill those tanks without guilt.

The 7 Types of Rest

Type #1: Physical Rest

What it is: Rest that allows your body to recover. This includes both passive (sleep, naps) and active (yoga, stretching).

Signs you need it:

• You’re sore, stiff, or always tired

• You rely on caffeine just to function

  
  

  How to get it:

• Take a nap (guilt-free)

• Schedule a slow stretch session or massage

• Turn on white noise to block out distractions

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier TOnight

Type #2: Mental Rest

What it is: A break from constant thinking, decision-making, and information overload.

Signs you need it:

• You forget things mid-task

• Your mind races at night

  
  

  How to get it:

• Use “brain dump” journaling

• Set screen-free times

• Take short workday pauses without checking your phone

Type #3: Sensory Rest

What it is: A break from noise, screens, lights, and background chaos.

Signs you need it:

• You feel overstimulated or irritated for no reason

• Headaches, squinting, or screen fatigue

  
  

  How to get it:

• Sit in a dim, quiet room for 10 minutes

• Wear blue light glasses or lower screen brightness

• Take walks without earbuds

Type #4: Emotional Rest

What it is: Space to be 100% real—no masks, no performance.

Signs you need it:

• You smile when you’re actually drained

• You feel emotionally heavy or numb

• No boundaries

  
  

  How to get it:

• Talk to a friend who “gets you”

• Let yourself cry, vent, or journal freely

• Say “no” to something without over-explaining

Type #5: Social Rest

What it is: Time away from draining people and more time with those who refill you.

Signs you need it:

• You feel worse after social events

• You dread group messages or work calls

• Always feeling like you have to be "on"

  
  

  How to get it:

• Spend time with low-maintenance friends

• Say no to one social event this week

• Allow yourself alone time without guilt

  
  

Type #6: Creative Rest

What it is: Reawakening your sense of wonder, inspiration, and imagination.

Signs you need it:

• You feel stuck, uninspired, or blah

• You haven’t created anything just for joy

  
  

  How to get it:

• Go outside and enjoy the beauty of nature

• Do something artsy with no goal (color, doodle, decorate)

• Visit a museum, attend an open mic, or listen to music that moves you

Type #7: Spiritual Rest

What it is: Feeling connected to something bigger than yourself.

Signs you need it:

• Life feels aimless or hollow

• You’re questioning your purpose or impact

• You feel stuck

  
  

  How to get it:

• Pray, meditate, or sit in silence

• Reflect on your “why” or read something uplifting

• Volunteer

• Reconnect to a passion project

Rest isn’t weak...It’s wise.

The most powerful women know when to pause and they don’t wait for burnout to give themselves permission to rest. Which type of rest do YOU need most right now?